How to Become a Spray Plane Pilot

Spray plane pilots (also known as crop dusters or agricultural pilots) have been flying over farm fields and forests since 1921. In the early years, crop dusters dropped dry dust from recycled wartime trainer planes. Since then, specialized planes have been developed that drop mostly liquid chemicals. According to the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), agricultural pilots must still meet rigorous certification requirements. In addition, the pilots must demonstrate competence with the chemicals they use.

Things You'll Need

• Private Pilot Certificate
• Commercial Pilot Rating
• List of Agricultural Pilot Schools

Instructions

1. Get a private pilot's license. To become a pilot, applicants must first demonstrate their eligibility. According to GG Pilot Flight Training Information Systems, FAA Private Pilot Certification Requirements also require proof of aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency. In addition, applicants must log at least forty hours of flight time. Those hours must include at least twenty hours of flight time with an authorized instructor, and ten hours of solo flight time. Applicants must also have a valid medical certificate (See References 2).

2. Get a commercial pilot rating. Also according to GG Pilot Flight Training Information Systems, additional eligibility and proficiency requirements must be met for a commercial pilot rating. Requirements differ for single engine and multi engine certificates. However, applicants for both categories must have a valid medical certificate and at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot.

3. Get an agricultural pilot rating. According to Ag Flight, Inc., a student who has achieved their Commercial Pilot rating can complete agricultural pilot training in four to five weeks. Cost will be approximately $17,000. Students with no experience may need four to six months, at a cost of approximately $48,000. The training program will include: Flight time in tail wheel airplanes, flight time in agricultural airplanes, GPS training and Ongoing safety training.

   The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) also notes that applicants must receive a letter of competency to work as an agricultural pilot. Pilots must hold an FAA Part 137 Certificate that allows them to operate an aerial application business. Continuing education requirements mean that pilots must periodically demonstrate their aviation and application skills.

4. Get an agricultural pilot job. Because agricultural pilot work is such a specialized field, your best employment prospects will be found through your certifying flight school. Opportunities may also be listed through the Agricultural Aviation Job Listings maintained by the NAAA. Keep in mind that due to the seasonal nature of the work, agricultural pilots may have flexibility to find other employment during the "off season."

References

• National Agricultural Aviation Association
• GG Pilot Flight Training Information Systems
• Ag Flight, Inc./Article on NAAA site

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish